New Services to the Sunshine Coast

ADVANCED WOMEN’S IMAGING IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE a greater range of OPTIONS FOR NIPT.

We are now offering HARMONY, GENERATION AND PANORAMA.

What is non invasive prenatal testing (NIPT)?

Harmony, Generation and Panorama are different types of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). NIPT assesses blood from the mother, looking at the baby’s DNA in her blood (analyses maternal serum for fetal DNA).

All forms of NIPT should be seen as an advanced screening test rather than a diagnostic test. It does not detect all cases of trisomy 21, 18 or 13.

NIPT also has a lower false positive rate than combined first trimester screening. This means that less women will need either chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis to confirm a high risk result, when they actually have a normal baby unaffected by a chromosome problem. This exposes less women to the risk of miscarriage, since both chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis are associated with a risk of miscarriage secondary to the procedure.

NIPT is a simple blood test with no risk to the fetus.

When can I have NIPT done?

NIPT can be performed after 10 weeks of gestation. It can be performed in both single and twin pregnancies, as well as IVF pregnancies.

NIPT can be performed at any stage during the pregnancy after 10 weeks gestation, especially if there are concerns raised after your morphology ultrasound at 18-20 weeks that increase your risks for trisomy 21, trisomy 18 or trisomy 13.

There are 2 ways that NIPT is commonly used in Australia:

1. as a first line investigation. This means you have NIPT first (eg. at 10-12 weeks gestation) and then come back for the nuchal translucency ultrasound / first trimester screening at 13 weeks gestation.

2. as contingency screening. This means you have the nuchal translucency ultrasound / first trimester screening first and then decide on the need for further testing depending on your adjusted risks. You may then opt to have either NIPT or prenatal diagnostic testing with CVS/amniocentesis, depending on how much additional information you desire about the baby's chromosomes.

Why are there different types of NIPT?

There are a number of different types of noninvasive prenatal tests available in Australia including Harmony, Generation and Panaroma.

The tests offer similar information but may vary in aspects such as lab technique. Your doctor may opt for one type of test over another related to a number of factors including clinical data on its effectiveness and accuracy, competitive pricing and ease of specimen collection.

How do I get my NIPT results?

Our doctor will contact you directly once the results of NIPT have returned. This usually takes 7-14 days.

Sometimes the initial sample of your blood may not give a result. This is related to technical factors and does not mean there is a problem with your baby. It is more likely for this to occur if you are earlier in your pregnancy (such as 10 weeks gestation, rather than 13 weeks gestation) or due to factors such as increased maternal weight. If this happens, we will call you to organize the collection of another sample of your blood, at no additional cost. For most patients, this repeat sample will give a result.

What does it mean if NIPT is “high risk”?

If NIPT shows a “high risk” result for a chromosome problem involving chromosomes 21, 13, 18, X or Y, this does not mean that your baby definitely has one of these defects. You will need to have diagnostic testing with either chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis to confirm this diagnosis before making decisions about your pregnancy.

What does it mean if NIPT is “low risk”?

If NIPT shows a “low risk” result (risk less than 1 in 10,000), this means your baby is unlikely to have a chromosome problem involving chromosomes 21, 13, 18, X or Y. But NIPT does not detect all cases of chromosome abnormalities or genetic defects.

If ultrasounds of your baby detect structural abnormalities or other concerning features, your doctor may suggest additional testing such as amniocentesis, even if the results of NIPT were reassuring.

Does NIPT tell me about all chromosome abnormalities or other problems with my baby?

NIPT does not give information on other chromosomal abnormalities or genetic problems.

If your 11-13 ultrasound shows an increased nuchal translucency (more than 3.5 mm) or major defects involving the baby’s heart, brain or other organs, the risk for a less common chromosome problem will increase. If this happens, your doctor may suggest you have chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis.

NIPT does not give information on physical or structural problems with your baby, such as heart or brain abnormalities, and it does not assess the growth or size of your baby.

If I have the NIPT as a first line investigation, should I still have nuchal translucency ultrasound/ first trimester screening?

It is recommended that NIPT be used in conjunction with nuchal translucency ultrasound/first trimester screening, rather than considering the tests as an either/or scenario.

Both NIPT and nuchal translucency ultrasound assess your risks for trisomy 21, trisomy 18 and trisomy 13, but there are significant advantages to having both tests performed.

The nuchal translucency ultrasound / first trimester screening is commonly perceived as "just a test looking for Down syndrome".

But the reality is that nuchal translucency ultrasound / first trimester screening is much more than this.

The nuchal translucency ultrasound also assesses the structure/anatomy of your baby, meaning that you do not need to wait until 18- 20 week morphology ultrasound for an initial assessment of your babys anatomy. Many anatomical abnormalities can be diagnosed in the first trimester with careful ultrasound, and may potentially alter the management of your pregnancy. The amount of information gained about the babys anatomy at this early gestation will often depend on the level of skill and experience of the person performing the ultrasound. This scan will also review the thickness of the nuchal translucency, for if the nuchal translucency measurement is more than 3.5mm, there is an increased risk of another chromosome abnormality in your baby, other than trisomy 21, trisomy 18 or trisomy 13. NIPT would then not be considered sufficient for the assessment of your baby and your doctor would discuss the option of prenatal diagnostic testing with CVS or amniocentesis for definitive (100%) diagnosis of all the babys chromosomes.

First trimester serum screening is also still useful because it assesses the risks of your pregnancy developing complications related to the placenta, such as intrauterine growth restriction. If you are considered at increased risks because your PAPP-A is low, your pregnancy may require extra ultrasounds in the third trimester to monitor the growth and well being of your baby.

It is therefore recommended that, in addition to NIPT, you have ultrasounds of your baby at 11-13 weeks (nuchal translucency ultrasound including first trimester maternal serum screening with free BhCG and PAPP-A) and at 18-20 weeks to examine the fetal anatomy.

What is the cost of NIPT?

Advanced Women’s Imaging offers a range of NIPT options and the cost varies for each different test. Our reception staff can inform you about the cost of NIPT for your pregnancy when you are booking your appointment.

This cost includes a brief ultrasound to confirm that your baby is the correct size/dates and has a heart beat; counselling about the use of NIPT in your pregnancy; collecting the blood sample and sending the sample to the laboratory for analysis; and communication of the results to you and your doctor.

This cost does not include detailed ultrasound of your pregnancy, which may also be requested by your doctor.

NIPT itself is not rebated by Medicare however you will receive a rebate for both the ultrasound confirming viability and dates, and the consultation that occurs at the time of your appointment (rebate is approximately $90-100).

How do I arrange to have NIPT?

If you have questions about the test or the results of previous ultrasounds, please advise our reception staff. If needed, our doctor can talk to you about the test prior to your appointment.

You do not need a referral to have NIPT, but it is preferable if you have spoken with your doctor about the test and its suitability for you.

You will need a referral from your doctor if you need ultrasounds with Advanced Women’s Imaging prior to having NIPT (including dating ultrasounds, second opinion ultrasounds, nuchal translucency ultrasounds). You will also need a referral if you wish to be eligible for the rebate associated with dating/viability ultrasound prior to NIPT.

Is NIPT suitable for everyone?

NIPT is a good test for many women, but it is not suitable for everyone.

Many woman will benefit from ultrasounds (including second opinion ultrasounds) and counselling at Advanced Women’s Imaging before proceeding with NIPT.

Some women will need to have chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis rather than NIPT if there are increased concerns about the baby having a chromosome problem.

If you have any questions about NIPT or other testing in your pregnancy, please do not hesitate to call us.